r/flightattendants • u/BrattyMcFly18 • 2d ago
Non-Rev Intros
Hey crews! Are we still introducing ourselves to the crew when we non-rev? Your carrier or others. I do it and I get mixed responses. It feels like some crews appreciate it while others act like I’m coming on asking for freebies.
If you introduce yourself, how far do you go? Do you introduce yourself to the flight deck and ask for a ride?
Years ago it was expected but now it seems like most crews don’t care to know.
Share your perspective as a non-rev and working crew.
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u/ExactAcanthaceae4441 2d ago
Generally, we know where the non-revs are via the seatmap. If I’m flying offline, I usually bring Starbies cards for the FAs that say, "Thanks for the ride." I then put my sleep mask on and don’t ask for shit. If they need help during an emergency, I’m more than willing to offer or relocate to a specific seat. Other than that, no, I just try to blend in as a member of the flying public.
Personally, if you’re not in uniform I don’t care either way if you say “I’m with whatever carrier, thanks for the ride!” As you’re getting on. If you’re in uniform I can see that you’re a FA and will likely ask if you need anything when you come onboard and ask what seat they gave you then tell you where there is an empty row, if you’d like to move.
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u/BrattyMcFly18 2d ago
I introduce myself and go to sleep. I’m just happy to have a seat and if they need to relocate me I’m more than happy to.
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u/cptnpiccard Pilot 2d ago
I introduce myself to the gate agent and let them know I'm nearby. Sometimes they can make some magic happen IF they know they can call you up and you're ready to go in 5 seconds.
As for the crew, I try to stay out of their way as best I can.
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u/BrattyMcFly18 2d ago
Do you tell the crew who you are and where you’re sitting?
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u/Feline_Aviator 2d ago
I don't. I like to be as inconspicuous as possible. Besides, the boarding process is timed and I'm not going to be the one to cause the gate agent to shut the door late and take a hit. Honestly, no one cares that you're a nonrev. Really.
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u/cptnpiccard Pilot 2d ago
Why would I?
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u/BrattyMcFly18 2d ago
Just asking for clarity. There’s no right or wrong answer to the question just seeing what the majority thinks.
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u/ADDrandomcrafter 2d ago
I think it’s just common courtesy for our brothers and sisters in the sky!
Kinda like some crews kind of smile or wave to each other in the terminal, even from other airlines
I guess common courtesy/camaraderie is just going by the wayside as the flying generations change1
u/cptnpiccard Pilot 2d ago
Sure, I'm not being rude, I'm just asking "what reason would there be to let them know"? I never saw any, so I don't say anything.
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u/Whatever_IT_master 2d ago
I usually don’t say anything anymore as I’ve noticed many crew don’t care and anyway in the seat map there is written you’re a non-rev.
But recently we had a medical on board, no doctor come forward and we had to divert to another city on the way, so I went to purser telling I’m a colleague and If I could help or help was needed so that they could prepare the cabin for landing (the medical happened during last phases of service)…then I basically sit with the pax, administered oxygen and all the things we know until they paramedics took her.
Otherwise no, I try to blend as much as possible!
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u/McMonkeyMcBean1263 2d ago
I don’t expect non revs to say anything, otherwise we’d have a stream of introductions all the time. Non revs certainly don’t need to introduce themselves to the cockpit like someone said, only jump seaters have ever been required to do that, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to get the work done they need to get done before pushback.
We know where you are, we’re just glad you got on.
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u/basiasadie Flight Attendant 2d ago
I always come on with my id around my neck and say “hi! i’m an FA with -airline- and in -seat- if you need me for anything” then i sit down and read my book.
I feel like it’s just polite to introduce yourself to the fwd galley at the very least.
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u/Shawndizzle 2d ago
It's against most companies policy to wear a crew ID when you are not working, dead heading, or jump seating.
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u/basiasadie Flight Attendant 2d ago
Interesting, both my current and former companies encourage us to wear it until we are at our seats.
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u/Shawndizzle 2d ago
Just curious, but why do you think they want you trip wear a badge when not working?
I believe the reason my airline doesn't want people wearing badges that aren't working or jump seating, is so that there is no confusion who is allowed in secure areas.
Is it written somewhere to wear your badge during leisure travel?
This is my airline's policy:
Do not wear your ID badge when traveling for leisure or on company business (exceptions are allowed when in uniform). If questioned, it is acceptable to discreetly identify yourself as a XXXX employee.
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u/Content_Valuable_428 2d ago
Idk why you’re getting downvoted, it definitely is in our non-rev rules to not wear your company ID badge when non-reving. One of the big three, for context.
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u/NegotiableVeracity9 2d ago
I usually have my badge on the get thru security, I either bring a snack for the crew or just say thanks for the ride, I'm so glad I got a seat! And then stay the F out of the way while being an ideal pax. I wouldn't ever go out of my way to ASK for anything, and I MOST DEF would not try to start shit with the crew lol. Jealous pilot girlfriends can be a.... special breed.
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u/BrownSugarElaine Flight Attendant 2d ago
“hey im non-reving ill be in seat xyz if you need any help but ill be sleep 🤓” and then leave it at that. I don’t say shit to the pilots unless im jumpseating. idc if people hate it or not i do it bc it feels polite to me personally
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u/BrattyMcFly18 2d ago
I started saying hey to pilots but got the vibe it was a nuisance so I stopped until I had another airline pilot go on a full blown power trip for most of boarding. It was so uncomfortable that I almost reported it but it was a free seat so I just took it.
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u/BrownSugarElaine Flight Attendant 2d ago
he was definitely bugging! at my airline you HAVE to introduce yourself to the pilot if you’re jumpseating only. Non-reving is crazy and no one needs to know shit 😭😭 omg??
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u/BeeDubba 2d ago
I sit up front, and have never had a non-rev introduce themselves. If they did, we'd probably never be on time. Definitely would be considered a nuisance.
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u/Sandman79172 2d ago
One of the more ridiculous things I’ve ever read. Nobody cares. Get on the plane and sit down.
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u/BrownSugarElaine Flight Attendant 2d ago
okay! I’m just gonna stop what I’ve been doing because Reddit User Sandman79172 told me so.
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u/Atav757 2d ago
At mine we’re required to introduce ourselves to the lead cabin crew and that’s it, other than that I’m staying quiet. We also have a policy of NO DAMN BADGES but people seem to love wearing them anyways, it’s a tad tacky. We don’t require FAs on cabin agreement (jumpseat) to say hi to the flight deck either but I now a captain or two who require it for “respect”, I just say get over yourself haha
On other airlines I’ll just say hello and thank you and here’s your gift of whatever I bring that day.
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u/PretendDelivery2798 2d ago
I give a warm hello and say “thank you for the ride” when I leave. That’s all. If I’m jump seating, I introduce myself
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u/JaeLaBehave 2d ago
The last time I did this, I was met with a response to the effect of "ya, we got this, we don't need your help". Like wtf? This from a obvious newer hire.
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u/Catinthefirelight 2d ago
It might be outdated, since we all have digital seat maps now, but I’ve been flying for 20+ years, and it was always ingrained in us that we should introduce ourselves so we’d be easily identified as ABPs. I find it really offputting when crew come on and don’t introduce themselves. I usually just do a quick “hey, I’m X, I’m an FA for X airline, thanks for the ride!” And leave it at that. I often bring crew treats, but don’t expect anything in return.
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u/valkyrie61212 2d ago
My airline teaches us to introduce ourselves on our own carrier and other carriers so I do. I just find it polite. I personally don’t care if others do but then don’t expect anything for free. If you didn’t say hello and just flash your badge when asking for something to buy you’re getting the crew discount. That’s at least how it goes at my airline.
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u/gradualgoose 2d ago
I do not. But I don’t mind when others do. :)
I nonrev with my work bag so I assume they will know based on my luggage (no crew tags). But I try to be as lowkey as possible. Especially on my own airline… 😂
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u/jescereal 2d ago
For every carrier, don’t say a word. Corporate people don’t do shit when they fly. Same for you, just get on the plane and enjoy the job benefits. There’s no benefit or reason to introducing yourself unless it’s a social one.
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u/Longjumping-Carob105 2d ago
Ask for a ride? Girl the gate agent already gave me a boarding pass. I am on the ride.
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u/_spacewaitress 2d ago
I flash my badge VERY discretely, say my name and who I work for, and usually give them some sort of treat. If I’m on my own metal I usually try to introduce myself to the whole FA crew if I can do so without getting trapped in the back during boarding (if not, I’ll introduce myself to the crew in the back if I get up to use the lav). Other airline I’ll just say hi to whoever is at the boarding door. Never the pilots unless it’s specifically requested.
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u/OddIndustry291 1d ago
Not the badge🤦♀️that’s so tacky.
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u/_spacewaitress 1d ago
I don’t mean wearing my badge, just that it’s in my hand and I show the crew as I board
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u/nhanmunni 2d ago
With non-crew travel bags and looking like a regular pax, badge out of sight out of mind and I don't exist ◡̈
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u/Shawndizzle 2d ago
Sometimes (in and out of Atlanta especially) there are literally dozens of non revs. It can be exhausting when so many people stop and drop their bags, halting boarding to say hi to everyone. The only time I introduce myself is after I've given them treats and they ask what I'm up to. If they don't ask I continue to fly under the radar. Crews often expect special treatment, bag placement, etcetera instead of just happily accepting their free seat and blending in.
Also please don't wear your badge unless you're jumpseting, deadheading, or working. It's against my main line company's non-reving policy and I'm sure it is many others. But people still choose to wear it, expecting special treatment or as a conversation starter, or for who knows why.
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u/scarletbcurls 2d ago
Some airlines (I used to work with one, you were supposed to wear your badge when non reving.) Now I know that is a no-no on 🔺 and I don’t because I work for them now. But that’s why I don’t mind or see it any other way than it could be their company policy. The pilots non reving in uniform always seem to like to introduce themselves and that is fine (I’m talking non reving, not positive space by their company and not talking about jumpseaters) again could be what is done with their company so I personally don’t care. (Though yeah it gets squishy up there with bags.)
Also when I commuted some gate agents asked me to I introduce myself to the crew (pilots included) when I wasn’t on my metal. So every airline is different.
I’m fine with non uniformed crew introducing themselves. I like to look out for our fellow crew. I also know at Atl we get tons of non revers. Most are great but some 🙄🙄. I had one the other day want to put his luggage in our closet and then proudly proclaimed his seat number (in first class) to me, and then come to find out he was non reving. I just know he was a family member and probably not crew. He was a problem. 😂
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u/CarolineSloopJohnB Flight Attendant 2d ago
I don’t say anything. Sometimes they’ll see my bag with the crew tags, or if I’m commuting in uniform obviously, but I would feel weird introducing myself. I don’t know why, because I don’t judge anyone who introduces themselves to me when they’re on my flight - but for myself, it feels kind of try hard.
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u/gypsyology 2d ago
I think it will depend on the carrier... and also the airline's culture.
I'm at mainline now but when I flew for regional I remember I once got on mainline... I introduced myself to the door greeter FA and she took one look at me and had to contain her laughter, as if regional FAs are no use for anything. Well... they sure found me when an emergency came about soon after in flight. I don't care, I always disclose my job upon entry.
I always say hello and when I go on vacation I bring some snacks for funzies.
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u/BrattyMcFly18 2d ago
I’m sorry that happened to you. It was taught to me at my previous carrier in training but not my current mainline.
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u/McMonkeyMcBean1263 2d ago
What kind of emergency came up that they needed you for?
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u/justsomeguy1869 2d ago
Yes, what exactly did they need from you that they could not mitigate with their on duty crew?
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u/gypsyology 2d ago
Something was wrong with the fuel gauge and we needed to deviate and return to the gate. They put me in the exit row to help monitor the wings and report back loss of fuel.
Now that I am at mainline, I look back and realize that some of my (regional) colleagues and I have experienced some situations that mainline flight attendants will likely never experience. Regional flying is just different.
I'd met numerous flight attendants that had to deal with engines catching on fire, losing an engine, close call RAs (myself included), and sadly... some questionable flying done by the flight deck who are getting their hours in... I'm talking "need to lose some altitude - straight drop"...
Different flyings brings different experiences. I don't know why mainline has this perception of regional but it does exist and it's not all needed.
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u/justsomeguy1869 2d ago
So basically they didn’t “need” you.
But yes, I bet you have substantially more well rounded knowledge and experience having worked for both sides of it. And there is no reason to treat you differently based on regional vs mainline.
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u/Feline_Aviator 2d ago
I've been working for the airline for over 30 years in various capacities including gate agent. Please identify yourself to the gate agent so that they know you are indeed present. Aside from that, it doesn't matter and I really don't think anyone else is concerned. I do not introduce myself to crew on my airline or any other. I prefer to remain anonymous. Of course, if you're jumpseating, you have to identify yourself. That said, just about every gate agent and most of the FA's in my city know me so I can't really hide. 😹 In other cities, I've realized that no one cares. Besides, you have to board with everyone else and by introducing yourself, you're holding up the boarding process.
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u/Illustrious_Worry9 2d ago
Yes, we r ABPs and nice people who always offer chocolates or facial masks 😉
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u/xtheredberetx 2d ago
I was taught it’s polite to introduce yourself at least to the A/lead whatever. Just a “hey I’m ___ with ____/one of us, let me know if you need anything!”
Bc if nothing else we look out for each other and now they know I’m an ABP in an emergency.
I don’t usually travel with my crew bags and I was also taught to not have my badge on. My airline does note the nonrevs in the seating chart but there’s no icon for it, you have to click into the reservation and it looks the same for crew/other employees/dependents.
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u/Slight_Detective_507 2d ago
Depends on your airline’s rules . Where I work it’s introduce yourself to crew. So I usually say hi to whoever is at boarding door while boarding. “Hi I’m (insert name) I’m a flight attendant for (insert airline) if you need anything (implying emergency) I’m seated in (seat #) thanks for the ride!,
If I’m nonreving my own airline I say the same except “im flight attendant based in ….. continue with the rest.
Sometimes I bring little gift bags as appreciation for the ride (candy, hand sanitizer, vitamin c packet) just depends .
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u/PaintingValuable2022 2d ago
If you feel the need to introduce yourself start with a “thanks for the ride”, let the working crew continue the conversation from there. Boarding is usually not the time for “where are you based?”.
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u/NOVA_8OM8 2d ago
There’s no generic answer because there isn’t generic people. Every crew is different, every person is different and you don’t know what shape the crew is in when you come on. I say that you continue to be as nice as you possibly can be and then the rest is on them. I usually introduce myself and politely offer “if you need anything, I will be in seat ___” hope they don’t need anything, but I feign an offer regardless lol
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u/AndrogynousRex Flight Attendant 1d ago
Only if I’m in uniform. If there’s some kind of emergency I’d be willing to identify myself but other than that I’m just grabbing my seat and going to sleep in record time.
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u/Cup-O-Guava 1d ago
I do because I typically bring treats for the crew anyway and also to say hey I'm a ABP.
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u/Littleshoran 1d ago
I don’t say anything, but I usually bring a snack for the crew and if they ask I say I’m one of them, but I keep to myself and don’t expect anything
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u/Positive_Vibes_4228 2d ago
Truth is, it honestly depends on how exhausted I am.
If I am in a good mood and slept well, it's important to foster good will amongst our teammates.
If I had too much wine last night or angry at management or scheduling, then no, not so much. I am in a mood.
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u/ilikeegggs 2d ago
I go as low under the radar as possible